Never judge a book by it’s cover…
That’s what they say right? But who is they? I need to know. I always judge a book by it’s cover. In fact I have purchased books in the past simply because I liked the cover. Crazy I know. Here’s the thing, I’m certain if you ask any avid reader they are going to tell you the same story. Covers SELL! Just in the same way a movie poster sticks in your head, or a advertisement feels familiar, book covers tell a lot about what you are going to get. I ready steamy romance, if there is a shirtless man on a cover I’m going to take a closer look. I am also a dark romance junky so add some tattoos and broody facial features and I’m all over it. Does that mean it’s going to be a good book? Nope. But it did gain my attention.
Book Cover Marketing
Once us readers and authors both agree that we are particular in our likes based off genre we will all get along better. It’s interesting to watch things unfold. Over the last year or so, illustrated covers have gained a lot of popularity. Due to what I like to read they have never appealed to me. When I see them I think Sweet Romance, Rom Com etc. That’s not me. You should have seen the shock on my face when I learned some steamy authors are also using them. Mistake? You would have to ask them. It’s possible they jumped in on a trend and it worked. But as a reader that is not a fan of closed door scenes or corny jokes I’m probably not going to dig too deep into a book with a illustrated cover. I will take hot half naked men all day.
What Now?
You’re probably wondering why I dedicated an entire post just to book covers. Well that’s because I have new ones on the horizon for the Heroes of Calvano Security. To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I have commissioned a professional cover artist who is putting the final touches on new covers for all 6 books and a reader magnet that will be releasing soon!
I have loved my covers for the last year but it is time to spice things up and make sure they are in line with my genre. What I have now is a little too sweet for what’s inside. (Feel free to use your imagination here, lol) Needless to say, I have some hot men coming your way and it blow your mind when you see what she has done. In addition to that, new covers means paperbacks! Yes my friends we are going all out in January so stay tuned for more.
Happy Reading.
-Nikki Rome